Vigo County Historical Society

Little paintings are big treasures

The art of miniature painting is very old.

The word is derived from the Latin word minimum, meaning red lead. Miniature painting evolved from the practice of illuminating the initial letter of a chapter with red paint. True miniaturists originally were decorators of old missals.

It is not known when the first miniature, "painting in little," was done. It is believed that Italy was the home of the first small portrait, but there is no proof of it.

The most popular theory is that a Pope had his miniature done either by or for a devote. That devote may have been the king, a statesman or even a court lady.

From that time until the invention of the photograph, miniature portraits of those who could afford them decorated tables and mantels, or were made into jewelry--a necklace, a brooch, a ring or cuff links. Some were made so that the back held a lock of hair or initials in pearls or diamonds.

The introduction of miniatures to England was during the first half of the 16th century. Royalty such as Henry VII employed official miniature painters. Nobility paid huge sums to have miniatures done of themselves. Lords sometimes had miniatures of their mistresses’ eyes painted and carried them at all times.

Miniatures of that day were done on paper, vellum or ivory. Ivory was the choice of artists as the various tints could be used for different types of complexions. It could be bleached for fair subjects. Warm rich dark cream was used for brunettes, and, for most portraits, a light creamy tint was used.

If the ivory turned yellow with age or lack of sunlight, it could be lightened by wetting it with clear water on both sides and placing it in the sun. Later, porcelain was used by miniaturists.

The treasure of the week from the museum is a miniature on porcelain of Effie Frances Dobbs (1874-1948). The identity of the artist is not known.

This miniature has a blue background and is edged in gold. Dobbs is wearing a light blue dress with a white lace collar. The portrait is mounted on a velvet backing and is in a brass frame. The frame is edged with finely worked brass flowers which are painted with blue enamel. It is made to sit on a table or mantel.

Dobbs was the daughter of John G. Dobbs. In honor of her father, she donated to the City of Terre Haute the land now known as Dobbs Park.

The miniature was donated by Martha Hollis Call, a cousin of Dobbs. It is displayed on the bedside table in the Victorian bedroom on the second floor of the museum.